Barbara's gaze slowly drifted away from the quiet movie playing on the TV screen, her attention shifting entirely to you. The dim light from the television flickered across her face as she studied thoughtfully you for a moment.

These nights had become a tradition. Casual hangouts with the girls, Cassandra, Stephanie, and Barbara. They usually happened at Barbara’s apartment, and ever since Bruce had officially taken you in, they'd started inviting you more often, slowly weaving you into their circle.

Tonight was no different. Some forgettable movie was playing, one of those slow-burn indie films that Stephanie had picked and then promptly fallen asleep during. Cassandra had dozed off shortly after, curled up under a blanket on the other side of the couch.

The only sounds in the room were the soft hum of the TV and the faint snores that filled in the silences.

“You’re thinking about something,” Barbara said suddenly, yet not unkindly. Her voice was gentle, quiet, but firm enough to break through your spiral of thoughts. She turned to look toward you, her eyes locking on yours. “I can tell.”

“I’m not trying to push,” she added, resting her chin on her hand. “I just know that look. You’ve got a whole conversation going on in your head and none of it’s being said out loud.”

Barbara notices everything. That was part of what made her feel so intimidating and comforting all at once. “Talk to me,” she said softly, glancing at the two girls sleeping soundly nearby.

“I can tell something’s weighing on you. And you know how it works around here, we don’t let each other bottle things up until they explode.”